Online LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Des Plaines, Illinois IL
We are proud to feature top rated online LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Des Plaines. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
Amanda S. Vaught
Psychologist, PsyD
I provide affirming, LGBTQ+ inclusive therapy for individuals exploring identity, relationships, or the impact of discrimination and marginalization. My approach celebrates authenticity and supports clients in building self-acceptance, resilience, and pride. Whether you’re navigating coming out, gender identity, family challenges, or relationship stress, I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space to be fully yourself. Using evidence-based and trauma-informed care, I help LGBTQ+ clients heal, grow, and live confidently and authentically.
14 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL (Online Only)
Emem Itiat
Counselor/Therapist, LCPC
I work from a liberation Psychology standpoint and humanist framework observing individuals through the lens of their unique and shared intersections. When it comes to fighting against hate, discrimination, and violence against queer bodies I believe in working to enhance radical acceptance through promoting self-contentment, awareness building by identifying the underlying and overlying systems of oppression and how they manifest internally, and working towards dismantling those systems both externally and internally.
16 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL (Online Only)
Gemstone Wellness, Inc.
Psychologist, PsyD, LCPC, LCSW, LPC
At Gemstone Wellness, LGBTQIA2S+ therapy is not framed as helping you “figure yourself out” in isolation—it is about understanding your identity in the full context of your life, your relationships, and the systems you’ve had to navigate. We recognize that exploring sexual orientation and gender identity can be expansive and liberating, while also complex, disorienting, and at times deeply painful. Therapy creates space for all of that to exist at once, without pressure to define, label, or resolve it prematurely.
Our practice is queer-led, and many of our therapists share lived experience within LGBTQIA2S+ communities. All clinicians are deeply trained in affirming care, meaning you won’t need to educate your therapist, defend your identity, or filter your experience to be understood. If working with a queer therapist is important to you, we prioritize that in our matching process, because we believe safety and resonance are foundational to meaningful work.
We approach this work through a trauma-informed, culturally aware lens. Living outside of dominant norms often comes with chronic stress—navigating visibility, safety, family systems, religion, and broader societal messaging that can invalidate or pathologize difference. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, shame, disconnection, or a sense of fragmentation. Therapy helps contextualize these experiences so they are no longer carried as personal failures, but understood as adaptive responses to real environments.
Our work often includes exploring the intersection of identity with relationships, intimacy, and community. This may involve navigating coming out, questioning or evolving identity, processing internalized stigma, or building relationships that feel aligned and authentic. We also support clients in non-traditional relationship structures, offering care that is explicitly affirming of queer, trans, polyamorous, and kink communities.
What distinguishes Gemstone Wellness is the relational experience of therapy itself. Sessions are collaborative, engaged, and human. We are not neutral observers of your identity—we are active, curious, and attuned participants in your process. There is room for uncertainty, for humor, for grief, and for growth.
The goal is not to arrive at a fixed definition of who you are. It is to build a relationship with yourself that feels grounded, coherent, and free—so your identity becomes something you live, not something you have to prove.
10 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL
Cultivate Your Essence
Registered Psychotherapist, LPC, LCPC, MFT
At Cultivate Your Essence, we provide affirming, inclusive, and culturally responsive care for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Our therapists offer support for identity exploration, relationships, family dynamics, discrimination-related stress, life transitions, and overall emotional wellness in a safe and affirming environment.
8 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL (Online Only)
Nicole Houde
Pre-Licensed Professional
I work with individuals navigating LGBT issues by providing an affirming and supportive space to explore identity, relationships, and life experiences. LGBT concerns can include coming out, navigating family or social dynamics, internalized stigma, the impact of religion or spirituality, and experiences of discrimination or minority stress. In therapy, we focus on strengthening self-acceptance, processing these experiences, and building resilience in a way that feels validating and empowering. My approach is collaborative and centered on helping you feel more confident in your identity while creating a life that aligns with your values.
1 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL
Lisa J. Taylor
Psychologist, Ph.D.
If you are struggling to find joy or peace in any of your important relationships, please know that help and support are available! As a relationship therapist, I am committed to creating an affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families, as well as for those in non-traditional relationships. I also welcome the opportunity to work with clients who are experiencing conflict about adapting to a child or other family member's change in expressed identity, such as when a family member shares that they are gay or trans. Differences in worldview can make it difficult to adjust to learning this new information, but I am here to help you understand and find new ways to connect to your loved one.
21 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL
Scot Seitz
Psychologist, PhD
I provide a tailored therapy approach for addressing LGBTQ+ issues that is based on your specific goals. I draw on evidence-based approaches, including Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
12 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL (Online Only)
Dr Calvin Young
Counselor/Therapist, PhD, LCPC
We are not our sexuality. That is just one aspect of the human experience. All humans have value.
30 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL (Online Only)
Susan Killelea
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, Sex Therapist
Exploration of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression are journeys that often continues after "coming out" or personally acknowledging your orientation and identity. You may want help in defining new feelings, support in affirming your gender, or guidance in informing others of changes. Therapy may help you learn more about your sexual and romantic attractions, relationship wants and needs.
18 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL
Merrisa Dawn Santos
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTMHP, CCTP
As an ally supporting those with LGBT+ issues, I provide a safe and affirming space for individuals to explore their identities and experiences. Through active listening, empathy, and respect, I validate their feelings and help them navigate challenges they may face, such as discrimination, coming out, or self-acceptance. I offer education and resources on LGBT+ issues, including terminology, rights, and community support networks. Additionally, I advocate for equality and inclusion in all areas of life, challenging discrimination and promoting acceptance and understanding. My goal is to empower LGBT+ individuals to embrace their authentic selves, feel supported, and thrive in a society that values diversity and equality.
5 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL (Online Only)
The Caruso Wellness Center PLLC
Marriage and Family Therapist, DMin, MART, MA, ALMFT
I provide LGBTQ+ affirming counseling in a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free environment where you can be your authentic self. As an openly gay man, I understand firsthand that navigating questions of identity, relationships, family dynamics, faith, discrimination, and belonging can be both deeply personal and, at times, emotionally exhausting. My role is not to tell you who you should be, but to walk alongside you with respect, empathy, and clinical expertise. Whether you are exploring your identity, coping with minority stress, healing from rejection or religious trauma, strengthening your relationships, or simply seeking a therapist who understands LGBTQ+ experiences, I offer gender-affirming and sexuality-affirming care grounded in Adlerian principles of encouragement, belonging, and personal growth. Every client is welcomed with dignity, respect, and the belief that healing flourishes in an atmosphere of acceptance and genuine human connection.
3 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL
Mind Lodge
Therapist, LCPC
Our therapists provide affirming care for LGBTQ+ clients, offering support in navigating identity, relationships, and mental health challenges with sensitivity and respect.
21 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL
Gracie Orellano
Marriage and Family Therapist, ALMFT
As a queer individual and ally, I often use my experiences within today's culture to provide insight and create connection with my clients. This identity also informs me of how to help navigate challenges faced due to ongoing societal narratives. Things can get especially tough in this community when there aren't people who understand your perspective. I want to provide a space where my LGBT+ clients feel comfortable to be themselves and express their struggles.
2 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL (Online Only)
Rachel Honaker, Depth Counseling Services
Counselor/Therapist, LPC
I am passionate about working in the LGBTQ+ community. Partially because of experience and a desire to give back in honor of the support I have received. The stressors of being queer are many and varying, but they all deserve to be addressed in a safe place. Whatever your story so far, we can co-create a space for you to process your experience and feelings and work towards an integrated sense of well-being in yourself, your relationships, and your identity.
10 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL
Sound Mind Sound Body LLC
Psychologist, MPsy, PsyD
My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, and I strive to foster a sense of safety and healing. There is often a great deal of intersectionality within coping with chronic health issues and stressors. Recognizing the importance of honoring all aspects of the individual is a goal in creating a balanced and cohesive sense of self.
10 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL (Online Only)
Beck Gardner
Pre-Licensed Professional, M.A.
As a member of the queer community myself, I find I have a particular sensitivity to understand the ways in which sexuality and gender can impact one's experience of themself. I find self psychology and it's theories can be particularly helpful in this area.
3 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL
Dr. Lindsay Perrin
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I am committed to providing LGBTQ+ affirming care and creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel respected, understood, and free to be their authentic selves. For some individuals, questions related to sexual orientation or gender identity may be a central focus of therapy; for others, these aspects of identity are simply one part of a broader life experience. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, I strive to foster a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can openly explore your concerns, build on your strengths, and work toward meaningful change.
14 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL (Online Only)
Dr. Stéphanie Gamache, PhD
Hypnotherapist, PhD
LGBTQ issues often involve navigating identity, desire, intimacy, and belonging within a complex social and relational context. My work offers an affirming, non-pathologizing space for exploration grounded in psychoanalytic and relational understanding. Together, we explore the emotional meanings that shape sexuality, relationships, and self-expression.
7 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL (Online Only)
Bloom Behavioral Health Ptrs
Treatment Center, Psy'D, LPC, LMSW, CAADC, CCS
At Bloom, we provide an affirming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating identity, relationships, coming out, family dynamics, discrimination, anxiety, and life stressors. We are committed to supporting clients with respect, understanding, and authenticity.
14 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL
Wolf Pack Therapy
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
At Wolf Pack, we provide affirming, inclusive therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Our team supports you in exploring identity, relationships, and life transitions with acceptance and care.
19 Years Experience
Online in Des Plaines, IL (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Des Plaines, Illinois Statistics
LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Des Plaines, Illinois average 15 years of experience and charge around $201 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are LGBTQ+ Issues (100%), Anxiety or Fears (84%), and Depression (76%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$201
Gender ID
| 53% |
Female |
|
| 32% |
Male |
|
| 8% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 7% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 59% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 41% |
Online Only |
|
Top Specialties
| 100% | LGBTQ+ Issues |
| 84% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 76% | Depression |
| 65% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 58% | Stress |
| 55% | Loss or Grief |
| 53% | Relationship and Marriage Counseling |